Recurring bouts of tonsillitis

¦ I am 19 years old and on medication for recurring bouts of tonsillitis. What would you suggest?

>> Tonsils, an important part of the immune system, are no longer whipped out at the slightest sign of infection as they once were.

Our tonsils can be seen as two small mounds of tissue on either side at the back of the throat (people often believe that the uvula, which hangs down at the back of the soft palate, is the tonsils).

The tonsils are our first line of defence against the bacteria which we intake through our nose and mouth — they are of key importance. Since most cases of tonsillitis are viral in origin, antibiotics are often of little or no use.

People who suffer from recurrent tonsillitis typically find that there is a strong relationship between dairy consumption and infection, indicating a specific intolerance or sensitivity to this food group. This is a relatively simple first step in trying to break the cycle.

Manuka honey will help to treat infection of both viral and bacterial origin, including streptococcal and staphylococcal infections. Take a teaspoon of the honey and hold it in your mouth as close to the affected area as you can, for as long as possible before swallowing.

Zinc, in the form of zinc gluconate, is a particularly helpful mineral in supporting immune health and reducing the symptoms of tonsillitis. Look for zinc lozenges, and suck on these for as long as you can, taking one every couple of hours throughout the day to help target the affected area and clear the infection.

¦ I’ve had the Epstein Barr Virus for the past 30 years. I am now 67 years old and on Coversyl tablets for blood pressure, I have very little energy, probably because of the virus.

I also get episodes of swelling at both sides of my face and near my mouth. Also, I have a lot of kidney infections. The lack of energy is really getting me down.

>> My number one treatment for Epstein-Barr is elderberry extract, since black elderberries have been shown to specifically destroy the virus which causes the illness. This same virus is also thought to be at the root of many cases of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and even glandular fever.

Sambucus Black Elderberry Extract is available from health stores, where 120ml costs €12.99. Take 1 teaspoon, four times daily until you begin to feel an improvement. If you prefer, you can also find this extract in capsule form from most health stores.

There is another highly nutritious herbal remedy which may be of benefit to you. Camu camu is a South American rainforest fruit, which contains around 30 times the vitamin C content of oranges, and is absorbed and utilised by the body more effectively than vitamin C supplements.

It works by strengthening the immune system, and should also help with energy levels, inflammation, and blood pressure issues. Camu camu has been specifically indicated in treating Epstein-Barr, making it a particularly good choice. It is available in capsules from health stores.

I would begin with this course of treatment, noting any changes, since you may find that issues such as the kidney infections are in fact the result of your entire system being under so much stress from the Epstein-Barr and its impact on your immune status.

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